Taiwo Akerele

Last updated
Taiwo Akerele
BornMarch 30, 1976
NationalityNigerian
Occupation(s)Politician, author, policy economist

Taiwo Francis Akerele, (born March 30, 1976), [1] is a Nigerian policy economist, author [2] and politician, who served as the Chief of Staff, Edo State government in Nigeria from 2016, [3] in the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration, until he resigned his appointment on April 25, 2020. [4]

Contents

Education and career

Akerele studied at Harvard University, Carleton University, Stellenbosch University, the World Bank Institute, the University of Ibadan, and the University of Benin and was a founding member of the Center for Values in Leadership, Lagos Business School. [5] Before his appointment as the Chief of Staff, Edo State, Akerele was a Strategy Group Agent at the United Bank for Africa. He also worked at the First City Monument Bank, and the defunct Fidelity Union Merchant Bank, where he served in the compulsory National Youth Service Corps scheme. [6]

Prior to his political appointment, Akerele was the Project Coordinator for the World Bank Public Financial Management and Youth Employment Program for Edo State, where he initiated budget reform programs, and the creation of public finance management and audit laws for the state government. [7] Akerele is also the Country Representative of Policy House International as well as the FCT Chairman of the Association of Nigerian Authors. [8]

In June 2022, Akerele was appointed as the Technical Adviser to the National Project Coordinator of the NGCares Project, a World Bank- assisted project in Nigeria. [1]

Politics

In 2017, Akerele decried the poor treatment of Nigerian migrants of Edo origin in Libya, and informed of the Edo State government's plan to ensure their safe return, re-integration and a state-sponsored economic empowerment policy that will improve the livelihood of returnees. [9]

On 25 April 2020, Akerele resigned his appointment as Chief of Staff, Edo State, to speculations that he was either at loggerheads with Godwin Obaseki or planned to change political parties. [10] However, Akerele said that his decision was based on "administrative and governance grounds". He also expressed his support for Governor Godwin Obaseki, and showed appreciation for the opportunity to serve in the Edo State government. [11]

Following Akerele's resignation as Chief of Staff, operatives of the State Security Service, Nigeria, also known as the Department of State Security, invaded his private residence and, reportedly, left with some files and documents [12]

In commemoration of Children's Day 2021 which, in Nigeria, is observed on May 27, Akerele warned that closure of schools in northern Nigeria, in response to the worsening security challenges, would only increase the number of out-of-school children from the current 10.5 million children to a projected 15 million by the end of 2021 "if the security challenges in parts of the North are not addressed and if the culture of school closures continues unabated." [13]

In July 2021, Akerele cited "weak" revenue mobilization as one of Nigeria's challenges, even though the country's debt profile is sustainable. [14] Before then, Akerele had urged the Nigerian government to back private sector lending from development partners, as a solution to accelerated infrastructural development. [15]

Akerele, in reacting to latest developments in Edo State politics, cautioned Nigeria's ruling party, the All Progressives Congress, to follow laid down constitutional procedures so as to prevent the imposition of candidates in the run-up to the 2023 General Elections. [16]

Personal life

Akerele is an indigene of Igarra, in Akoko-Edo, Edo State, Nigeria. [17] He is married to Onayimi Akerele, with four children. [18] [19]

Awards and recognition

Akerele was recognized for his contributions towards human capital development in Nigeria at the Focus Africa Awards & Expo ceremony. [20]

In 2019, Akerele was awarded for Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice [21] for "championing an Open Government Partnership (OGP)" in Edo State [22]

In 2017, Akerele who was, at the time the Chief of Staff of Edo State, was honored with the name "Omokhafe" ("child is home") in Somorika, a community in his hometown Akoko Edo.This honor, conferred by HRH Oba Sule Idaiye, was in recognition of Akerele's community development efforts in favour of Akoko Edo [23]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Benin City</span> Capital city of Edo State, Nigeria

Benin City is the capital and largest city of Edo State, southern Nigeria. It is the fourth-largest city in Nigeria according to the 2006 census, after Lagos, Kano, and Ibadan.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Peoples Democratic Party (Nigeria)</span> Political party in Nigeria

The People's Democratic Party is one of the two major contemporary political parties in Nigeria, along with its main rival, the All Progressives Congress.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Adams Oshiomhole</span> Nigerian politician (born 1952)

Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole is a Nigerian politician who has served as the senator representing the Edo North senatorial district since June 2023. He is a former national chairman of the All Progressive Congress. He previously served as the president of the Nigeria Labour Congress from 1999 to 2007 and as governor of Edo State from 2008 to 2016.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Edo State</span> State of Nigeria

Edo, officially known as Edo State, is a state in the South-South geopolitical zone of the federal republic of Nigeria. As of 2022, the state was ranked as the 22nd most populous state (4,777,000) in Nigeria. The estimated state population is around 4,777,000 in 2022. Edo State is the 22nd largest State by landmass in Nigeria. The state's capital and largest city, Benin City, is the fourth largest city in Nigeria, and the centre of the country's rubber industry. Created in 1991 from the former Bendel State, it is also known as the heart beat of the nation. Edo State borders Kogi State to the north for 133 km and across the Niger River for 81 km to the northeast, Anambra State to the east for about four km across the Niger River, Delta State to the southeast and south for 350 km, and Ondo State to the west.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Akoko</span> Yoruba cultural sub-group in the Northeastern part of Yorubaland

The Akoko are a large Yoruba cultural sub-group in the Northeastern part of Yorubaland. The area spans from Ondo State to Edo State in southwest Nigeria. The Akokos as a subgroup make up 20.3% of the population of Ondo State, and 5.7% of the population of Edo State. Out of the present 18 Local Government Councils it constitutes four; Akoko North-East, Akoko North-West, Akoko South-East and Akoko South-West, as well as the Akoko Edo LGA of Edo State. The Adekunle Ajasin University, a state owned university with a capacity for about 20,000 tertiary education students and more than 50 departments in seven faculties is located in Akungba-Akoko. A state specialist hospital is situated at Ikare Akoko, while community general hospitals are located in Oka-Akoko and Ipe-Akoko.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Edo people</span> Nigerian ethnic group

The Edopeople, sometimes referred to as the Bendel people, are an Edo-speaking ethnic group. The tribe which is prominent in 8 southern local government areas of the State of Edo, Nigeria, are known as "Edo". They are speakers of the Edo language and are the descendants of the founders of the Benin Kingdom,Ogiso Igodo. They are closely related to other southern Nigerian tribes, such as the Esan, the Etsakọ, the Isoko, the Yoruba, and the Urhobo.

Akoko Edo is a Local Government Area in Edo State, Nigeria. Its headquarters is in the town of Igarra. It has an area of 1,371 km2 and a population of 262,110 at the 2006 census. It consist of the Akoko people that are split between Ondo and Edo states. Most recognize as Yoruba and bear names identical with their counterparts in Akoko Ondo. The Benin conquests during the reign of Oba Ozolua (1483-1504) established its first settlements in the region, while other people migrated there for fortunes, including the Bida. Of the Igbirra and Idah from the North and East, the war which Oba Esigie fought in 1515-1516 with the Attah of Idah would have also contributed to migration into the area.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Godwin Obaseki</span> Nigerian politician (born 1957)

Godwin Nogheghase Obaseki is a Nigerian politician and businessman who has served as the governor of Edo State since 2016.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2016 Edo State gubernatorial election</span>

The 2016 Edo State gubernatorial election was held on 28 September, 2016 to determine the Governor of Edo State. The election was originally scheduled for 10 September, however two days before, on 8 September it was postponed due to security concerns.

Philip Shaibu is a Nigerian accountant and politician who served as the deputy governor of Edo State from 2016 until his impeachment in 2024. He previously served as a member of the Federal House of Representatives representing Etsako from 2015 to 2016, and as a member of the Edo State House of Assembly from 2007 to 2015.

Patrick Obahiagbon is a Nigerian politician and legal practitioner. He was elected to the House of Representatives in 2007, and served Oredo until his appointment as chief of staff to Governor Adams Oshiomole in 2011. Obahiagbon established a cult-following among many Nigerians for his grammatical caricature when engaged in social and political commentary.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Edo State Polytechnic</span> Polytechnic in Usen, Edo State, Nigeria

Edo State Polytechnic Usen is a higher institution of learning located in Usen community of Ovia South West local government area of Edo State, Nigeria. It was formerly known as Edo State Institute of Technology and Management (ESITM) Usen.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Edo North senatorial district</span> Senatorial district in Nigeria

Edo North senatorial district in Edo State comprises six local government areas which consist of Etsako West, Etsako East, Etsako Central, Owan West, Owan East and Akoko Edo. The headquarters of Edo North is Auchi in Etsako West LGA. The current representative of Edo North is comr. Adams Aliu Oshiomole of the All Progressives Congress, APC.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Edo Technical College</span> Vocational school in Nigeria

Edo Technical College, sometimes referred to as Benin Technical College is a technical and vocational institution located in Edo State, Nigeria. The institution was first established in Benin City in 1970 by the Canadian government during the administration of late Dr. Samuel Ogbemudia. The school provides vocational and technical skills to students in order to promote entrepreneurship among youths in Edo State. The Government Science and Technical College (GSTC) Benin City, Edo State now wears a new look, thanks to the World Bank assisted State Employment and Expenditure for Results (SEEFOR).

Eghosa Anglican Grammar School is a secondary school located along New Lagos road in the ancient city of Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria.

Joan Osa Oviawe is a Nigerian educationist who is the Edo State Commissioner of Education. She was appointed by the Executive Governor of the State Godwin Obaseki to replace Barrister Emmanuel Ijegbai in October 2021.

The 2023 Nigerian Senate elections in Edo State will be held on 25 February 2023, to elect the 3 federal Senators from Edo State, one from each of the state's three senatorial districts. The elections will coincide with the 2023 presidential election, as well as other elections to the Senate and elections to the House of Representatives; with state elections being held two weeks later. Primaries were held between 4 April and 9 June 2022.

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References

  1. 1 2 "World Bank Assisted Project Programme appoints former Obaseki's COS, Akerele Technical Advisor". Vanguard News. 2022-06-08. Retrieved 2022-06-14.
  2. ↑ "A Nigerian economist's reflection in 208 pages". Daily Trust. 2020-11-14. Retrieved 2020-11-16.
  3. ↑ "Obaseki appoints SSG, COS, CPS". Punch Newspapers. Retrieved 2020-11-09.
  4. ↑ "'Why Obaseki's chief of staff suddenly resigned' - The Nation". Latest Nigeria News, Nigerian Newspapers, Politics. 2020-04-25. Retrieved 2020-11-09.
  5. ↑ "Who Is Taiwo Akerele | Biography,Wiki,Profile,Education,Age,Wife,New Chief Of Staff". Latest News In South Africa Today. 2020-04-27. Retrieved 2020-11-09.
  6. ↑ "Who Is Taiwo Akerele | Biography,Wiki,Profile,Education,Age,Wife,New Chief Of Staff". Latest News In South Africa Today. 2020-04-27. Retrieved 2020-11-13.
  7. ↑ "1st Day of Office, New Chief Of Staff. Another move for concern". edoconnect. Retrieved 2020-11-09.
  8. ↑ "Closure will increase number of out-of-school kids". Latest Nigeria News, Nigerian Newspapers, Politics. 2021-05-27. Retrieved 2021-08-10.
  9. ↑ "We are tired of our people being sold for 20 dollars in Libya -Akerele, Edo Chief of Staff". Vanguard News. 2017-12-24. Retrieved 2022-01-26.
  10. ↑ says, Prince Ebialomoh1 (2020-04-25). "Akerele: The 'poli-trics' of Obaseki's CoS resignation". P.M. News. Retrieved 2020-11-13.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  11. ↑ "'Why Obaseki's chief of staff suddenly resigned' - The Nation". Latest Nigeria News, Nigerian Newspapers, Politics. 2020-04-25. Retrieved 2020-11-13.
  12. ↑ Perishable. "Breaking: DSS Invades Private Residence of Francis Taiwo Akerele". TELL. Retrieved 2020-11-13.
  13. ↑ "Closure will increase number of out-of-school kids". Latest Nigeria News, Nigerian Newspapers, Politics. 2021-05-27. Retrieved 2021-08-10.
  14. ↑ "Debt: Akerele Says Nigeria Not Insolvent, Debt Profile Sustainable". THISDAYLIVE. 2021-07-23. Retrieved 2022-01-26.
  15. ↑ "Govt urged to guarantee private sector lending for infrastructure". Vanguard News. 2020-12-04. Retrieved 2022-01-26.
  16. ↑ "Groups, Obaseki's ex-CoS caution Edo APC on primary elections". Vanguard News. 2022-01-06. Retrieved 2022-01-26.
  17. ↑ "Taiwo Akerele, Obaseki's Chief of Staff bows out". P.M. News. 2020-04-25. Retrieved 2020-11-09.
  18. ↑ "1st Day of Office, New Chief Of Staff. Another move for concern". edoconnect. Retrieved 2020-11-16.
  19. ↑ "Who Is Taiwo Akerele | Biography,Wiki,Profile,Education,Age,Wife,New Chief Of Staff". Latest News In South Africa Today. 2020-04-27. Retrieved 2020-11-09.
  20. ↑ Report, Agency (2021-11-04). "Taiwo Akerele Honored, Dedicates Award To Out-of-School Children In Nigeria". Leadership News. Retrieved 2022-01-26.
  21. ↑ "WE STAND BY OUR OPEN GOVERNMENT CHAMPIONS AWARDS TO GOV OBASEKI, OTHERS". ANEEJ. 2019-03-14. Retrieved 2020-11-13.
  22. ↑ "Obaseki, others bag ANEEJ OGP awards". The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News. 2019-03-26. Retrieved 2020-11-13.
  23. ↑ "Somorika monarch honours Edo Chief of Staff". The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News. 2017-12-31. Retrieved 2020-11-13.
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